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Duchess Sophie joined other working members of the Royal Family for Trooping the Colour on Saturday, June 17.
Along with style icon, Princess Kate, who wore a striking green dress, Sophie stepped out in a show-stopping outfit for the annual event.
The 58-year-old was a picture of elegance in cream, wearing a tonal ensemble consisting of a tailored dress by Beulah London, and a Jane Taylor hat to match.
While the flattering outfit was not a surprising style for a senior royal, a style expert noted that Sophie’s choice of colour was poignant for one key reason.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Modes and More founder Susie Nelson pointed out that it was all in the name of patriotism.
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Susie said: “White is one of the three patriotic colours, others being red and blue, and would therefore be a suitable choice for a working royal at this event.”
While Prince William, King Charles, and Prince Edward are always seen in uniform for the event, the royal women are not – with the exception of Princess Anne.
Despite holding senior titles, Queen Camilla, Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie wore formal dresses for the occasion. This is because they do not hold the same honours and titles as the Princess Royal, despite her never having been in the military.
As Princess Anne paid tribute to the patriotic occasion by parading the uniform that represents a division of the army, Duchess Sophie and Camilla stepped out in red and blue to do the very same.
Susie continued: “As there was quite a lot of red and blue on display, worn by the Queen plus the three young royals, white stands out in contrast.”
Royal historian and commentator Mok O’Keefe (@gayaristo) told Express.co.uk that Sophie’s white outfit also alluded to past generations of the family, specifically Queen Victoria.
He said: “The colour white is a particularly significant one for the Royal Family. Queen Victoria is often perceived in popular culture wearing black, but was in fact a lover of white and in happier days, before the death of her beloved Albert, it was a staple of her wardrobe. She popularised the white wedding dress.
“By choosing the colour white, Sophie is presenting herself as a key royal figure, alluding to Queen Victoria. The colour indicates that she is very comfortable as a senior member of the firm and her new role as the Duchess of Edinburgh.”
Princess Kate opted for green as a nod to her first Trooping the Colour as Colonel of the Irish Guards, but she too has worn white in the past. When she attended the event last year, Kate styled a white Alexander McQueen dress and Philip Treacy hat. While wearing it, she held a similar rank in the Royal Family as Duchess Sophie does now, though instead as the Duchess of Cambridge.
Before Charles became King, Camilla also styled a very similar outfit to Sophie in 2017, wearing a cream-tailored dress and hat to match. This was when she held the junior title of the Duchess of Cornwall.
Though there is no custom or tradition that suggests royal women should wear white to Trooping the Colour, Sophie’s choice of outfit was significant to show unity as King Charles made his debut.
Stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as a coherent family unit, both physically and in their clothing, the Royal Family appeared united as they celebrated the special occasion.
While the most senior members of the family stepped out in Red military uniforms, Prince George and Prince Louis showed their patriotism with navy jackets, white shirts and matching red ties. Princess Charlotte matched Duchess Sophie in a white dress with red detailing.
